Sizzling Grilled BBQ Prawns with Smoky Marinade Recipe

Succulent bbq prawns dance with a smoky marinade that promises to electrify your taste buds.

Marinades infuse deep flavors into every delicate morsel of seafood.

Mediterranean coastal kitchens inspired this vibrant recipe, blending bold spices and fresh ingredients.

Charcoal grilling adds incredible depth to each prawn’s caramelized exterior.

Robust smoky notes complement the sweet, tender shellfish perfectly.

Simple techniques transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

We challenge you to create this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

What Makes BBQ Prawns So Smoky and Satisfying

• Boost Flavor Fast: The smoky marinade packs an incredible punch of taste in just a few ingredients, transforming simple prawns into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Perfect Summer Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe delivers delicious grilled seafood that's sure to impress guests at backyard gatherings, beach parties, or casual dinners.
• Quick Cooking Convenience: Prawns cook super quickly on the grill, making this a speedy meal solution for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal preparation time.
• Healthy Protein Option: Prawns are lean, packed with protein, and low in calories, offering a nutritious alternative to heavier meat dishes while delivering amazing flavor profiles.

What You Need for Grilled BBQ Prawn Greatness

• Prawns: Fresh, large seafood that serves as the star protein of this grilled dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking during grilling.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami base for the marinade.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior on the prawns.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and helps tenderize the seafood.

• Garlic, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Black Pepper: Create a complex, smoky flavor profile that enhances the prawns.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Add freshness and a zesty finish to the grilled dish.

Step-by-Step for Smoky BBQ Prawns on the Grill

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

• Olive oil
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Zesty lemon juice

Whisk these ingredients together until they create a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy goodness.

Step 2: Bath the Prawns in Marinade

Drop the succulent prawns into the marinade, gently tossing them to ensure every inch gets coated with the mouthwatering mixture.

Cover and let them chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to dance and infuse for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your BBQ grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat.

You want that perfect searing temperature that’ll create a gorgeous char and lock in all those incredible flavors.

Step 4: Prepare for Grilling

Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers or place them directly on the grill grates.

If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Cook the prawns for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Look for that beautiful opaque color and slight char that signals they’re cooked to juicy perfection. The prawns should turn from translucent to a gorgeous pink-white color.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the grilled prawns and arrange some lemon wedges on the side. The bright herb and citrusy notes will elevate the smoky, rich flavors of your prawn masterpiece.

Tips for Perfectly Charred and Juicy Prawns

• Pat prawns dry before marinating to help the marinade stick better and ensure crispy edges when grilling.
• Choose fresh, large prawns with shells on for maximum flavor and juiciness during cooking.
• Monitor grilling time closely since prawns cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked; 2-3 minutes per side is perfect.
• For gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain similar umami depth.
• Consider soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even prawn cooking.

BBQ Prawn Marinade Ideas That Go Beyond Smoky

• Citrus Zest Prawns: Replace smoked paprika with orange and lime zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile that enhances the seafood's natural sweetness.
• Spicy Coconut Prawns: Incorporate coconut milk and chili flakes into the marinade for a creamy, heat-packed Southeast Asian-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Prawns: Swap cumin and paprika with fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano, adding a robust Mediterranean herb sensation to the prawns.
• Asian Fusion Prawns: Mix in ginger, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar for an authentic East Asian marinade that transforms the original recipe's taste.

What to Serve with Grilled BBQ Prawns

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that cuts through the smoky marinade and complements the prawns' delicate sweetness.
• Serve with Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Create a side dish of golden, crispy potatoes seasoned with rosemary and thyme to balance the seafood's rich flavor profile.
• Match with Fresh Citrus Salad: Prepare a light salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a bright vinaigrette to refresh the palate and enhance the grilled prawns' maritime taste.
• Complement with Chilled Craft Beer: Choose a light wheat beer or pale ale with citrusy notes that will refresh your mouth and stand up to the bold BBQ marinade.

Keeping BBQ Prawns Fresh After the Flame

• Refrigerate: Store leftover grilled BBQ prawns in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled prawns in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
• Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 275°F. Wrap prawns in aluminum foil with a splash of water to prevent drying. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Quick Method: Reheat prawns on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Add a small splash of water to keep moisture.

FAQs for BBQ Prawn Masters in the Making

• Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure the best flavor and texture.

• How do I know when the prawns are fully cooked?

Prawns are done when they turn opaque and form a C-shape. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch them closely.

• Is there a substitute for smoked paprika if I don't have it?

You can use regular paprika with a dash of chipotle powder or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor profile.

• Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! The marinade can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using it on the prawns.

Grilled BBQ Prawns with Smoky Marinade Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent BBQ Prawns with Smoky Marinade merge coastal flavors and bold spices into a mouthwatering seafood experience. Zesty marinade and perfectly charred prawns promise a delightful culinary journey you will savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) large prawns, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste

Marinade and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and lemon juice in a mixing container to craft a robust marinade.
2. Immerse prawns in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
3. Heat BBQ grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high temperature, aiming for 400-450°F.
4. Thread marinated prawns onto metal skewers or place directly on preheated grill grates, maintaining consistent spacing.
5. Grill prawns for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, watching for translucent flesh turning opaque and developing delicate char marks.
6. Remove from heat when prawns display a vibrant orange-pink color and slight caramelization around edges.
7. Transfer grilled prawns to serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with zesty lemon wedges for optional citrus enhancement.

Notes

• Marinate the prawns for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize the seafood.
• Use fresh, large prawns for the best texture and to prevent overcooking, which can make them rubbery and tough.
• For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the umami flavor profile.
• Experiment with wooden or metal skewers, but if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 218
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 150mg